Fine Roman Gilt Brass Ram Head Latch
Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 1st to 4th century CE. A lovely brass latch displaying a thick ring on one side and the head of a ram on the other with liberal remains of a lustrous gilding on the underside of the ram's chin and the recessed area before the neck. The ring is connected via a loop extending from the verso of the ram's head, while the ancient animal displays a gently curved, narrow snout, large horns that spiral around each ear, drilled eyes, recessed nostrils, and a broad neck. A pair of suspension loops protrude from the underside of the ram's neck. A beautiful green and russet patina envelops the entirety of the piece, imbuing with an elegant presentation reminiscent of the ancient world. Size: 2.1" L x 1" W x 0.8" H (5.3 cm x 2.5 cm x 2 cm); 3.2" H (8.1 cm) on included custom stand.
By Roman times, the ram was already an ancient (with respect to the Romans) symbol of virility and masculinity, and Mercury (Greek Hermes), the god of commerce and communication, was often accompanied by a ram to symbolize fertility.
Provenance: private Southern California, USA collection, acquired in the 1970s to mid-1980s
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.
Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.
#160790
Condition Report: Loss to bottom of 1 suspension loop on ram. A few areas of light surface wear, commensurate with age. Otherwise, excellent with very liberal remains of gilding and lovely patina.
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Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 1st to 4th century CE. A lovely brass latch displaying a thick ring on one side and the head of a ram on the other with liberal remains of a lustrous gilding on the underside of the ram's chin and the recessed area before the neck. The ring is connected via a loop extending from the verso of the ram's head, while the ancient animal displays a gently curved, narrow snout, large horns that spiral around each ear, drilled eyes, recessed nostrils, and a broad neck. A pair of suspension loops protrude from the underside of the ram's neck. A beautiful green and russet patina envelops the entirety of the piece, imbuing with an elegant presentation reminiscent of the ancient world. Size: 2.1" L x 1" W x 0.8" H (5.3 cm x 2.5 cm x 2 cm); 3.2" H (8.1 cm) on included custom stand.
By Roman times, the ram was already an ancient (with respect to the Romans) symbol of virility and masculinity, and Mercury (Greek Hermes), the god of commerce and communication, was often accompanied by a ram to symbolize fertility.
Provenance: private Southern California, USA collection, acquired in the 1970s to mid-1980s
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.
Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.
#160790
Condition Report: Loss to bottom of 1 suspension loop on ram. A few areas of light surface wear, commensurate with age. Otherwise, excellent with very liberal remains of gilding and lovely patina.
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